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Times-Advocate, 1987-07-29, Page 19Times -Advocate, July 29, 1987 Page 7A 'There Goes the Iride'- perfect summer entertainment The recent influx of British situa- tion comedies on television in the last few years has made Canadian au- diences more aware of this special brand of humour and thus more receptive. The timer was ripe to bring it to the live stage and the broad spec- trum of summer theatre -goers. Artistic director Steven Schipper has chosen a rollicking distractedly funny farce called "There Goes the Bride" for this second mainstage pro- duction of the season at Huron Coun- try Playhouse. The play, written by the same zany pair that brought us the delightful "Move Over Mrs. Markham" last year, Ray Conney and John Chap- man, has been successfully transplanted from 1974 England to the Canadian 1980's through skillful directing. Director Schipper has mercifully kept all the British tendencies to over- do under control. The puns, the play on words, the facial mugging and slightly barmy behaviour so beloved by the British is done with a subtle sophistication that makes laughter both a physical and cerebral response. He especially underplays the mandatory smutty sexual reference jokes in such a way that no one could be offended. As a result, the smooth profes- sionalism that has been drawn out of the cast makes this one of the finest, funniest evenings of entertainment anyone could ask for. Kenneth Wickes, in the part of Dr. Gerald Drimmond displays his exten- sive Shakespearean Festival and other character -parts talent at their best here. Small in stature, he fills the stage with nimble frolicing, broad facial grimaces and terribly funny voice inflections. His interpretation of the hard of hearing, dotty grandfather is an obvious joy for him on stage, thus he infects the audience with the same delight. The good Doctor's wife Daphne, as played by Patricia Delves is suitably brusk, dowdy and long-suffering 'as she tries to keep her husband on track. Robert Latimer delivers some hysterical facial grimaces and eye rolling in the supporting role of Bill Shorter. Barry Baldero projects enough bluster to adequately portray the confused anger of the goom's father left waiting at the church. Witticisms, sarcasm and puns flow smoothly from the mother of the bride, Ursula, played with sophisticated aplomb by Louisa Martin. Although at first appearing much too young to be the father of the bride, veteran actor/director Gerald Lenton switches from a perfectly respectable over -achieving father to the deluded pomposity of a flapper era dandy with credible ease. Attractive, tall and lanky, Lenton moves across the stage, in one minute graceful, in the next, at a frantic comic gallop. The contrast between Lenton and Wickes makes the parody scene a "hold your sides laughing" few minutes of theatre. AT PLAYHOUSE — There Goes the Bride, a farcical comedy by Ray Cooney and John Chapman runs at the Huron Country Playhouse from July 21 through August 1. Petite, dark-haired Virginia Roncetti makes an endearing flapper in the part of "Polly Perkins", the im- aginery girlfriend of father Timothy Westerby, who conjures up this little darling after a knock on the head. The poor bride is of course not even a leading character in this farce. Her greatest theatrical claim to fame is to burst into tears and run from the room. An experienced actress, Em- ma Richter must surely have more to offer. Let's hope crying doesn't become her specialty. An attractive upper -middle class living room, sparked dramatically with a red striped marque shows the fine eye Tony Abrams has for set design. Costume designer Jo Zvonkin has caught the right touch of class especially in the hats. A comedy situation plot where so- meone gets hiton the head then changes character allows some sitirical comments to be made, some contrasts in morais and attitudes to be played off against each other. Coupled with brilliant dialogue and an enthusiastic cast it creates a winning formula for a great piece of entertain- ing theatre. Huron Country Playhouse has just such an evening for you with "There Goes the Bride" running until August 1. Every bride's wedding day should be such a comic disaster! The audience was sweltering in the heat and high humidity as the curtain rose on Huron Country Playhouse's latest • offering, "There Goes The Bride". The little bride really did look as though she might drop any minute and who could blame her in that in- credible heat on stage? The other players appeared to withstand the sauna -effect better, and presented a very funny, fast -paced, well -acted performance. Their timing was good and their characters deftly drawn, producing gales of laughter from the audience, who forgot the heat and really enjoyed themselves. That is the true test of a good comedy. Louisa Martin, as the -long-suffering mother -of -the -bride, Kenneth Wickes as the grandfather, and Robert Latimer as business partner and old friend were exceptionally good. Gerald Lenton, as father -of -the -bride invested a huge store of energy in his demanding role, which required sing ing, dancing and some rather nasty falls, - a very physical character. For perfect summer entertain- ment, be sure to see this hilarious comedy, but don't forget to bring a fan. >:>>9::.?:.,>!:...;'.o:�MMAWM3'.�'.�`.�sxMSZbar:.w,Ov'rs:yMrw.$'iW2-VM�.Irs�MMO..:>s,:AMc' :�:s�EMF:•:ME'°'�f->'/�.�;:G5�.`'�'�k"'I'.. ':/%///,��s�'�,` �g Man burned in beat fire, A Grand Bend man is in Victoria ' !bite Hospital in London recovering from to be burns received in a flash fire on a boat anchored in the river at Grand Bend. Steve Miller was pumping gasoline from a boat's fuel tank when'the fire broke out, Tuesday. He suffered burns to both arms and his face. The incident was investigated $ry Constabled D. Nielsen of the OPP detachment at Grand Bend. An explosion on a boat Monday on .the river behind Thirsty Fox caused damages of about $10,000. Cause of the explosion is being investigated by the Ontario Fire Marshal's office. The boat, a 24 foot cabin cruiser owned by Margaret Stewart of Lon- don was moored and unattended. Con- stable M. Gemus was the in- vestigating officer. A break, enter and theft at the Lynn Fong Restaurant at 30 Main Street, Grand Bend was reported Tuesday. Cigarettes, liquor and an amount of cash were taken. Value was listed at $800. Constable A. Heron and an iden- tification unit from the Chatham OPP are investigating. During the week local officers in- vestigated 150 general occurrences. Included were 81 liquor and liquor related offences, two impaired drivers, two roadside breath tests, one driving suspension of 12 hours and one narcotic charge. As jogging is becoming increasing- ly popular in the Grand Bend area, : OPP officers ask joggers to wear light coloured clothing or at least tie a handkerchief on wrist or ankle better seen by drivers. Catholic news The new pastor, Father Paul Beck, celebrated all Masses on the weekend at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Organist Paul Dietrich pro- vided music for the choir on Saturday evening, and for the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday. Soloist Roberta Walker per- formed "Come Down Lord" and "Panis Angelicus" at communion ser- vice. Mary Fran Gaiser was reader at the 11 a.m. Mass, and a Eucharistic minister along with Philip Walker. at communion. During the offertory, little Natalie Zyler, daughter of Michael and Kimberly Zyler, was received into the church through baptism. Congratula- tions to Natalie. Father Becks' sermon was based on Matthew's gospel, refering to fin- ding buried treasure in a field. The ,treasure we find is in the person of Jesus Christ in our lives. He becomes involved with us, providing order in our lives. God has a.plan for us within the overall plan of mankind. When we accept Christ as the treasure of our hearts. He becomes the centre of our lives. Congratulations 'to James Van Haaren and Rosemary Vandenberk, daughter ' of Bill and Toni Vandenberk, who were united in the holy sacrament of matrimony last week. Don't forget to bring your garage sale items Friday night for the bazaar on August 1. All CWL members are reminded to provide baked goods and/or fresh vegetables by Saturday at 9 a.m. Let's make it another big success. Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School was held in Grand Bend at. the Anglican Church with 33 children aged three to 12 at- tending. Rev. Peebles, of the Grand Bend United Churh, Rev. Desjardine of the Church of God and Rev. Vipper- man of the Anglican Church were all involved in the program. The theme for the Bible School this year was "The Fruits of the Spirit" which are love, joy, peace, self- control, gentleness, faithfulness, kind- ness, patience and goodness against which there is no law. Kim Genttner from the Exeter Anglican Church and Rev. Vipper- man provided the music with their guitars and songs, to the delight of the children. There was also a good staff of teachers: Mrs. Loreen Gill taught the pre -kindergarten three to four year olds; Marlene Desjardine taught the four to six year olds; Pat Desjardine taught the primaries; Joan Eagleson assisted by Eileen Desjardine in- structed the middlers and Sharon Laye with Betty MacGregor provid- ed instruction for the juniors. Many thanks to all those who helped in any way with songs, snacks, crafts and stories to make another fun -filled suc- cessful bible school for our children. CWL meets The Catholic Women's League of Immaculate Heart of Mary met on another vessel explodes July 20 at the Alhambra Hall, with 24 members answering the roll call. President Rose Vanbruane presided for the meeting. The new pastor, Father Paul Beck addressed the ladies, once again thanking them for a warm welcome. He approved of the CWL Marian pro- ject to repaint the outside statue of the Blessed Virgin, and also plans to reorganize the church records into a, better office within the church. Mrs. . Yvonne Vandenberk is the new church secretary. Ticket chairman Toni Vandenberk reported that some ticket books are still out, and additional ticket books are available on the quilt raffle, to be drawn on August 29 at the church. The CWL is scheduled to entertain at the Blue Water Rest home in August, on a date yet to be decided. Members will be needed to help out. Roberta Walker gave a report from the Provincial Convention in Niagara Falls on July 7 to 9. Money was sent to the Stratford Deanery to defray costs of a meal to be served to guests from the National CWL Convention from London, who will be attending a Shakespearean play at the Stratford. Festival in August. Final plans were made for the Bazaar and Bake Sale to be held on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church yard. All ladies are asked to be thereby 8 a.m. to set up their tables. A second bake sale will. be held after each Mass on August 29 and 30, tommagnattagmasnammemimmogimioanwsomseffronswszetwommonimievammwmammomamamitmani Large crowd at Thames Road picnic By MRS. WILLIAM ROHDE Thomes Rood Ernest Aube, Woodstock and Mrs. Steve Johns, Kevin and Caleb are holidaying in Edmunston, New Brunswick. Jon Passmore is holidaying with his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. John Bat- ten, Elimville. Sympathy is extended to Mrs. Jen- nie Bray, Mr. Gordon Hoggarth and relatives in the passing of their brother the late Jack Hoggarth. Several from this area called at the Whitney Ribey Funeral Home, SeaTorth to pay their respect and also attended the funeral Saturday.. Mr. and Mrs. Oren Grace, Largo, Florida visited with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Rohde Wednesday afternoon. Church Service and Picnic Ninety some adults and children at- tended the worship service, smorgasbord dinner and sports Sun- day at Morrison Dam. Rev. K. Teddy Smits was in charge of the church service. He told the children's story about a crow and its feathers. We sang the children's Hymn 'All The Happy Children'. The' minister read the Scripture Lesson St. John 6:1-14 and he took as his text verse 6 of St. John 6. This he said to test him (Philip) for he himself knew what he would do. All the world is a stage. Each one plays his part and receives his share so a Dutch saying goes. In the story oT 54000 there were many, if not all, who played a part. All pilgrims carried their baskets with food, and as they start opening their baskets they share with anyone who did not bring supplies. When the meal is finished, those who helped serve, as was the custom, go around to fill their own baskets, 12 baskets for the 12 disciples. This Jesus said to test him (Philip) for he himself knew what he would do. Philip is the man who sees problems. There are the people who look at what could go wrong first. They look at the gloomy side and they count on the one per cent of 100 per cent that something could go wrong. Andrew is the mart who spotted the young boy r"= :' with his lunch. He goes up to him, grabs his arm and says with a smile! Come on son, we are going to feed this crowd. And something starts to happen. All pilgrims open their baskets and start to share. What An- drew demonstrated with one boy giv- ing a bit of his sardines and cakes, it was taken up by all. Later on it became clear to many that Jesus shared his life with all, even unto death. Mennonites 60 per cent goes to serving others, many a tradesman serves 2 years abroad! The Blessing was sung and a delicious meal was partaken. Happy Birthday was sung to Marion Cann who was celebrating her 60th birth- day. She was presented with a decorated cake made by her daughter Judith. Happy birthday Marion. The flowers at the front of the ser- vice were placed there in memory of the late Garry Cottle. Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Ballantyne and Mr. and Mrs. Murray Dawson were the table committee. The elders of Elimville looked after the sports. There was a candy scramble for the three year olds and under. Races up to four years - Kelli Fulton, Kristy Bray; five to seven years - Erin Parker, Elizabeth Kerslake. eight to 10 years - Brian Richardson, Jason Hewitt; " 10.12 years - Tim Parker, Lauren flewitt. Relays: Toss a Ring - Dale Skin- ner's team; Walking On Paper - Dale Skinners team. Ladies Kick the Slip- per: Nancy Smith, Mafion Skinner. Men's Kick the Slipper: Robert Bray, Don Kerslake. Man with nicest knees: Rev. Smits. Man with hairiest knees: Floyd Cooper. Man with boniest knees: Elson Lynn. Man with longest belt: Gilbert Johns. Ladies with most pieces of change in pulse: 117 Kathy Bray, 44 Judith Parker. Ladies with most articles in purse: 67 Beatrice Dawson, 47 Marion Cann. Guessing weight of watermelon: 13.44 lbs. Wendy Ballantyne. Coppers to fill cup: Marion Cann. Number of white beans in jar: Lorne Ballantyne, Wendy Ballantyne. Number of jelly beans in jar: 242, Jon Passmore. Two minute walk: Robert Bray. Intended for last week The sympathy of the community is extended to the family and relatives of the late Garry Cottle who passed away last Wednesday at South Huron Hospital. Sympathy of the community is ex- tended to Mr. and Mrs. Murray Dawson and family in the passing of Beatrice's aunt. • SIGNING IN - - Jeremy Becker registers with Faye Rader at Wednes- day's session at the Dashwood Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School. T -A photo Miss Barbara Miller of Toronto spent the week -end at her home here. Australian visitors Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hewitt, Lauren and Jason of Hoppers Cross- ing, Australia, are visiting with the former's sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Brad Cann and Nathan. Mrs. Mildred Gibson, Mrs. Marguerite Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gibson of London, Karen Rohde of Exeter and Tammy Rohde were Monday noon guests with Mr. and .Mrs. Bill Rohde. Mr. and Mrs: William Baxter, Mr. and Mrs. Rob Baxter, Jeremy and Lesley of Mitchell, Mrs. Clara Richardson of St. Marys, Mr. and Mrs. Don Richardson, Erin, Brian and Lori were Sunday guests with Mr. and Mrs. Ken Duncan and Floyd. Lori Richardson was seven on the 7th of July, Erin Richardson was 11 on Ju- ly 17 and Jeremy Baxter was four on July 19. Happy Birthday everyone. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hewitt, Lauren and Jason of Hoppers Cross- ing, Australia, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Cann, Mr. and Mis. Rick Parker, Tim, Erin, Ryan and Megan, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Cann, Steve Triebner, Rev. Teddy and Mrs. Smits and Stan Wilson who is visiting at the manse were Sunday dinner guests with Mr. and Mrs. Brad Cann and Nathan. Mr. and Mrs. Oren Grace of Largo, Flprida, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Grace and family, Miss Karen Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Grace and daughter of Detroit, Michigan visited on Saturday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Dave Passmore, Tom and Jon. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Grace and fami- ly stayed at the Passmore home over- night. On Sunday the above mention- ed all went to Port Blake for a Haist family gathering. Church Service Rev. K. Teddy Smits was in charge of the church and baptismal service on Sunday morning in Elim\d.le Church. The Responsive reading was No. 532 'Souls of the Righteous'. Rev. Smits played two numbers on the piano which were really enjoyed. The minister told the children a story about a boy who liked cookies and also the feeding of the five thousand. We sang the children's hymn 'A Lit-' tle Child the Saviour Came'. Mr. Mur- ray Dawson, clerk of session at Thames Road, called Mr. and Mrs. Brad Cann forward and Rev. Smits baptized Nathan Andrew, son of Brad and Jand Cann. when the- quilt and afghan raffle tickets will be drawn. So far, four CWL members. plus. Father Beck will be attending the banquet at the National CWL Conven- tion in London in August. Other ladies are still welcome to attend the daily sessions,•but will have to obtain their own banquet ticket. The next meeting will be August 17 at 8:30 p.m. followed by bingo and prizes. United Church news Special music at the Grand Bend United outdoor service Sunday was two solos by Fraser Lobban, a member of this local congregation, who sang, 'Bless this house', and 'How great thou art'. Rev. R. Peebles sermon topic was 'Giants for the Lord' with scripture reading from Acts 2: 41-47. He spoke of the difference in the church now compared to Bible times. He told us of David, the giant in spiritual life, Abraham, father of the faithful, Joshua, the great warrior and leader, and the radiance of John. Today we do not have enough giants working for the Lord. We need singleness of heart, mind and spirit, and to use our time, talent, energies and abilities for the church, and be faithful to our commitments.. United Church Women are remind- ed of the baked goods, crafts and vegetable produce sale, to be held on the church lawn, August 6, at 2:00 p.m. Beach Ministry A vacation Bible school on the beach at the end of Oak Street on August 10-14, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For boys and girls four to 12 years. spon- sored by Scripture Union workers. Sa i ntsbu By MRS. HEBER DAVIS Church service will resume next Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's with Rev. Beverly Wheeler in charge. _ I was guest for lunch with Mrs.. Mabel Needham Saturday and Mrs. Voyle Jordan had dinner with me Sunday evening. MURPHY RE-ELECTED The Huron Law Association has an- nounced that D. J. Murphy, Q.E. was re-elected a Bencher of the Law , Society of Upper Canada for a second four 'year term. The Law Society is the governing body for Ontario's 17,000 lawyers. Murphy is the senior partner in the Goderich law firm of Donnelly and Murphy. CHECK BIBLE VERSES — Teacher Donna Miller helps Sylvia Post and Charlotte Bowman in finding Bible verses during Wednesday's Vaca- tion Bible School session at Dashwood Lutheran Church.T-A photo - Dashwood seniors to sponsor free euchre By Bernice Boyle TheSenior Citizens are sponsoring free euchre at Friedsburg August 1 beginning at 8 p.m. The Business Association. invites you to the Sunday worship service August 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Com- munity Centre pavilion. Mr. Perrie Mitchell will be guest speaker and South Huron Community Choir will provide special music. The firemen will prepare your brunch of homemade pancakes and sausages while you are at the service. Personals John and Rita Reid, Jennifer and Sean, Oshawa spent last week with Murray and Ann Reid. Sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hoist in the loss of Eyerett's sister, Mrs. Losetta Fahner, formerly of Crediton. Visit to Indian reserve I had the privilege of visiting the Six Nations Indian Reserve via a trip to Caledonia and Ohsweken. The native guide, Miss Lori Green gave a very interesting tour of the Reserve. Since returning home I received 'brief pro- files on the historical and cultural aspects of Canada's first settlers, the Iroquois. Lori Green 'radiantly spoke about her heritage and culture. She asked us to name the six nations: Mohawk .Nation - "People of the Flint", Onon- daga Nation -- "People of the Hills". Seneca Nation -- "People of the Greant Mountain", Cayuga Nation -- "People of the Great Pipe". -Oneida Nation -- "People of the Standing Stone and Tuscarora Nation -- "Peo- ple of the Shirt. The Grand Rivers Champion of champions Pow Wow held July 25 and 26 is a spectacular and colourful event. Prize money up to 816,000.00 is offered to those dancers and singers deemed to be the most agile. astute and exciting. The participants, dress- ed in their finest regalia represent every major North American Native culturalgroup.- The event takes place at the Chiefswood Park on the grounds of the former estate of the Canadian Mohawk E. Pauline Johnson. We visited the beautiful modern facilities for senior citizens. Once a week the staff and residents change places. The residents look forward to Fridays. Independence day is celebrated on Victoria Day, a Six Nations Pageant is held and arts, crafts and traditional foods the second weekend in September. They are busy in October ' preparing for the November bazaar. The last of January they hold their an- nual Snowflake Tournament. The Six• Nations have their own tourism bureau and give guided tours and with a traditional lunch and din- ner included in the package deal. There are numerous things to see and do on the reserve and they welcome visitors. 1